Bible Diary - Hebrews 7:11-17
August 10, 2008
The author assumes that perfection in matters of the law is the goal, and that the Levitical priesthood was not able to help the people achieve the perfection that God required of them. Something else was needed, a priest that lives forever, like Melchizedek.
Jesus and the Priesthood of Melchizedek
7:11 So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood – for on that basis the people received the law – what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron’s order? 7:12 For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well. 7:13 Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever officiated at the altar. 7:14 For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe. 7:15 And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 7:16 who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent but by the power of an indestructible life. 7:17 For here is the testimony about him: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
It’s not hard to figure where the author is going with this. Having snuck a peek at the back of the book, we know that Jesus is the needed High Priest. But the author is not ready quite yet to spring it on us.
Dave, maybe getting a little smart-alecky here.
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